Getting there
Comments
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Hi Nadine,
It was reading about your success with an anti-inflammatory diet that helped me to realise that food had a LOT to do with my pain. So thank-you! That is what is so valuable about this site. You pick up so much information and some of it is just the right bit for you.
Interestingly I also think some of those foods were not good for my bone density either. Too much red meat and too much salt is something in particular that the dietician I saw said could be harmful to your bone health. It all starts to come together like pieces of a puzzle!
I know just what you mean about feeling intimidated about going to a gym. My 'gym' is actually at the local CWA hall. It is just a bunch of people with bone density issues getting together with a coach (also studying exercise physiology) and completing a 45 minute session a couple of times a week. The program is designed by an exercise physiologist and an Olympic weightlifter based on research into the best way to improve bone density. The weight program is all about strengthening the back and hips, the main places that people have a problem with. We also work on balance and core strength.
I only started in August last year and can now deadlift 55kg and squatlift 40kg. I don't really look any different (certainly not like those weight lifters in a gold bikini haha) but I feel stronger and have no back pain now. I also think I have more energy from the extra muscle!
I think a big part of it is how much fun we have doing it. I come out feeling happy and that is good for your health too! I wish that it was easy for everyone to find somewhere like this. The facility (The Bone Clinic) I do this through also have an online program called Onero.
I guess I have been fortunate to find this available in my area but it is all fairly new. My hope is that the research they are producing will lead to more programs like this in more areas around Australia.
Thanks once again for sharing your diet success on here. It has probably helped more people than you realise! Take care. Deanne xxx0 -
Wholegrains, legumes, lentils and blueberries are all good for memory - an article on the Today Show on Channel 9 this morning with a Dietitian. Some of you in this post have spoken of struggling with memory - hope this helps!1
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Wholegrains, legumes, lentils and blueberries are all good for memory - an article on the Today Show on Channel 9 this morning with a Dietitian. Some of you in this post have spoken of struggling with memory - hope this helps!0
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That's interesting @iserbrown. Since I saw the dietician last year for advice on bone health diet, I eat more legumes and lentils (always ate plenty of whole grains and blueberries). I do feel my memory is improving a little bit. I also think using ' Elevate', an app on my iPad, (someone on here recommended it) is helping too. The main thing for me is to not 'panic' when I find myself on the 'spot'. All hope of functioning at my best just vanishes then
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Wow, I am so sorry I haven't been on the forum for so long. I love the support from people who really understand.
My diagnosis/surgery/chemo/radiation was in 2008-9 and after returning to work as a teacher things had gone back to normal - well, the new normal I guess. I find the job very stressful, my memory isn't what it used to be, and my body certainly isn't what it used to be (aches and pains, weight gain). We've had what feels like more than our share of additional stressful situations including my husband's health and unemployment for some months (he is working again now), and some very tough times with a couple of my kids.
My mum (82) was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in October 2016 and I have taken leave from work to care for her (she doesn't want treatment and wants to die at home). My husband is home in Qld while I am in Sydney. My sisters are in Vic and SA and both have school aged children so can't stay here (my five have all finished school; 3 are in Vic and 2 in Qld). I had thought that this could be an opportunity for some personal growth (exercise, maybe study a bit) but I am flat out exhausted even when it seems like I've done nothing all day. Mum is very demanding (we have an hour a week of respite arranged when someone comes to the house, but most weeks Mum asks me to stay, or to hurry back if I have to go out e.g. to pick up a prescription); she's terribly grumpy but I don't mind; she is used to being able to take care of herself and this situation she's in is pretty awful. My family has been supportive and so has my school. One thing I have kept to myself so far is the fear this has awoken in me. Mum's lung cancer may well be mostly due to the fact that she was a heavy smoker for many years, but the tumour is located on the same side where she had radiation for bc in 1991. When I had my radiation I was told there was an increased possibility of developing cancer at the site in future. I look at Mum and wonder if I am looking at my future. The worry about a possible recurrence has always been in the background but this has pushed it front and centre and frankly I don't like it! Apart from keeping busy, and thinking happy thoughts, are there any suggestions?
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Hello @Jackie,
So sorry about your Mum but I am sure that you will always be glad that you are able to be there for her in this situation. It must be difficult not to think and worry about your own situation as you help your Mum. But, as you say the lung cancer is most probably from the heavy smoking. So many of us have radiation to the chest area but most of us do not, thank goodness, develop lung cancer. I would imagine that the risk would be higher for a smoker but a doctor might be able to put your mind at rest about this.
Fear of recurrence or even another type of cancer or serious health issue is something that most of us experience. Different situations will bring that fear back to the surface, like with your Mum. It helps me to take control of what I can in my life to help me feel as though I am actively doing something to lessen the chance of this happening.
As I said, none of us know what the future holds but it helps me to make the best of everyday right now. It has given me the energy to make changes to our lives.
Is it possible for you to do something nice that you enjoy on a daily basis while you are with your Mum? It is very important to look after yourself at this stressful time. Keep in touch on here. We are here anytime you need to chat. As you say it helps to get support from others who really understand. Take care. Deanne xxx
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I went through similar with Mum. She was hospitalized towards the end. Mum's main fear was dying alone and she struggled if she was alone. The staff at the hospital let us visit earlier than visiting hours as she would relax with us there. Dad and us 5 kids were there when she took her last breath.
Hope that helps to understand the grumpiness.
This time with her is precious. As Mum went into a coma in the last we kept nattering around her. It was a beautiful thing to do.
Take care1 -
@Jackie My goodness sorry to hear of your story! I went through the same thing with my Mum she had BC at age 40 though had a Mastectomy and NO TREATMENT, she was 26 years Cancer Free. At Age 66 she developed Lung Cancer after back pain that landed her in Emergency. She was a smoker, however the Cancer was at the back of the Lung and metastasized to her back muscle. It was such a shock, she passed within 6 weeks. This also occured on the same side as her BC, but she did not have radiation, she was a smoker, and they say it was unrelated. Jackie, I honestly don't necessarily believe that will be you at all. Eventhough I got BC same side as my Mum, the Specialists were emphatic it was unrelated to the BC. Hugs day at a time Melinda xo0
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Thank you all. The logical part of me says not to worry but it is difficult sometimes. Because Mum has refused all treatment we don't see doctors any more but I will try to make an appointment for myself to have a chat.0
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Hi @Jackie - so sorry that you are in the situation when you think that your life is back "on track" that your dear Mum is suffering.
I too was in a similar situation - Mum passed away in 2014 following a bc diagnosis in 2006 then secondary bc in 2012.
As I was the "trailblazer" in the family - I was diagnosed first in 2003 - the fear of recurrence is always there, it just seems to fade into the background as the years go by and you get on with "life".
Jackie, focus on your health (mental and physical) so that you are better able to help not only your Mum but your own family and in turn yourself !
Given that your Mum had bc diagnosis and radiotherapy in 1991, she has had 25 years since treatment until her terminal illness now. I know that is of no reassurance to you at the moment, especially now that she is so dependent on you (which I am sure she does not like).
Even though she has refused all treatment, perhaps her GP (who is helping her with pain meds ?) might be someone helpful for you to speak with.
Best wishes to both your Mum, your family and you.
Sheryl xx
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Hi Jackie, Sounds like you're pretty tied up with your beautiful mum. How about a telephone call to Cancer Council 131120 and speak to a counsellor. You can do that while your mum is having a snooze and get some assistance without leaving the house. I'm sure that you are of great assistance to her and how lucky to be able to help her in her time of need. Big big hugs to you - and to your mum. Sending as much comfort and peace as is possible. Xx Cath0
